Is Tyler Perry facing his biggest Scandal yet? Inside the Explosive $77M Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Tyler Perry, one of Hollywood’s most powerful filmmakers and studio heads, is facing another high-stakes sexual assault lawsuit, this time totaling $77 million, filed on Christmas Day 2025. The suit, brought by aspiring actor Mario Rodriguez, adds fresh scrutiny to the media mogul as a separate $260 million case filed earlier this year continues to unfold.

The new allegations, which Perry strongly denies, have intensified debate around power dynamics in Hollywood and raised questions about accountability within major studios.

Who Is Mario Rodriguez and What Is He Alleging?

Mario Rodriguez, a model and aspiring actor, appeared briefly in Perry’s 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween. In a 23-page complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Rodriguez alleges that Perry sexually assaulted him, made repeated unwanted advances, and used promises of career advancement to exert influence.

According to the lawsuit, Rodriguez claims Perry invited him to private meetings under the guise of discussing acting opportunities. One alleged incident from November 2018 describes Perry grabbing Rodriguez’s genitals while making sexually suggestive remarks. Rodriguez says he repeatedly told Perry to stop and had to physically pull away.

The lawsuit further claims that after two alleged encounters, Perry apologized and gave Rodriguez $5,000, which Rodriguez interpreted as hush money.

Claims of Psychological Trauma and PTSD

Rodriguez says the alleged encounters left him suffering from PTSD, emotional distress, and economic harm. The complaint alleges Perry continued contacting him intermittently through 2024, even after Rodriguez attempted to distance himself.

In a December Instagram video viewed by nearly a million followers, Rodriguez said he stayed silent for years out of fear and shame, stating he was finally speaking up to prevent others from experiencing similar harm.

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Tyler Perry’s Legal Team Responds: “A Failed Money Grab”

Tyler Perry’s attorney, Alex Spiro, issued a forceful denial, calling the lawsuit “yet another failed money grab” brought by the same lawyer representing actor Derek Dixon, who filed a separate $260 million lawsuit against Perry in June.

Spiro stated that similar claims have already failed and accused the plaintiffs of reviving decade-old allegations for financial gain. Perry has categorically denied all allegations made by both Rodriguez and Dixon.

Why Lionsgate Is Also Named in the Lawsuit

Rodriguez’s lawsuit also names Lionsgate, the distributor of Boo! A Madea Halloween, accusing the studio of negligence. The filing claims Lionsgate should have known about Perry’s alleged misconduct and failed to enforce morality clauses that could have prevented the alleged abuse.

As of publication, Lionsgate has not issued a public response.

Connection to the Derek Dixon Lawsuit

The Rodriguez lawsuit closely follows the legal strategy used in the Derek Dixon case, which alleges sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation. While Perry’s team claims that case has collapsed, Dixon’s attorney insists the matter is still active and was merely transferred from California to federal court in Georgia, where Perry is based.

Legal experts say Perry could face lengthy and costly litigation on both coasts if neither case settles.

Tyler Perry’s Career Under Legal Spotlight

Perry, 56, is the founder of Tyler Perry Studios, one of the largest film studios in the U.S., and a dominant force in film and television. He has long been praised for creating opportunities for Black actors and filmmakers, making the allegations particularly controversial and polarizing among fans.

At this stage, no court has ruled on the merits of either lawsuit.

FAQ

What is Tyler Perry being sued for?

Tyler Perry is being sued for alleged sexual assault, sexual battery, and emotional distress by actor Mario Rodriguez, who is seeking $77 million in damages.

Who is Mario Rodriguez?

Mario Rodriguez is a model and aspiring actor who appeared briefly in Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016). He alleges Perry assaulted him during private meetings.

Has Tyler Perry denied the allegations?

Yes. Perry has strongly denied all allegations, with his lawyer calling the lawsuit a “failed money grab.”

Is this Tyler Perry’s first lawsuit?

No. A separate $260 million lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon earlier in 2025 is still ongoing in federal court.

Why is Lionsgate included in the lawsuit?

Rodriguez claims Lionsgate failed to enforce safeguards that could have prevented the alleged misconduct.

Has Tyler Perry been charged criminally?

No. These are civil lawsuits, and no criminal charges have been filed.

What happens next in the case?

The case will proceed through pretrial motions unless dismissed or settled. No trial date has been set.

Could this impact Tyler Perry’s career?

While no legal judgment has been made, multiple high-profile lawsuits could affect business partnerships and public perception.